Anthony William Seizys

LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANTHONY WILLIAM "TONY" SEIZYS
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Service Years: 1959–1980 (21 Years Active Duty)

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anthony "Tony" William Seizys was the only child of Leo and Francis (Serutis) Seizys, both of Lithuanian descent. Growing up in an urban environment, Tony excelled academically, graduating with honors from a Roman Catholic high school.

Driven by a call to serve, he earned a prestigious congressional appointment to join the inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). As a member of Cadet Squadron 4, Tony earned the respect of his peers as a reliable, hard-working cadet who was equally socially at ease. Demonstrating high integrity early in his military career, he served as a vital Honor Representative for his squadron. On June 3, 1959, Tony graduated with the historic USAFA First Class of 1959.

MILITARY CAREER & SERVICE

Following graduation, Tony entered Undergraduate Pilot Training, earning his wings through training at Marianna Air Base, Florida, and Reese Air Force Base, Texas, before completing advanced fighter training at Luke AFB and Nellis AFB. He was initially assigned as a Tactical Fighter Pilot with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan (with deployments supporting operations in the region), flying the F-105 Thunderchief. He later transferred to the 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas.

Tony returned to his alma mater at USAFA in 1966 as an Air Officer Commanding (AOC), mentoring the next generation of cadets. In a rare joint-service assignment, he went on to serve as a Tactical Officer at the United States Military Academy (West Point) from 1968 to 1969.


During the Vietnam War, Tony deployed to South Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He served as an Air Liaison Officer (ALO) forward-deployed with ground forces, first with the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi, and later supporting the 5th and 7th ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) Divisions at Lai Khe and Dong Tam. For his exceptional valor, leadership, and heroism under fire, he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

A CAREER PIVOT FOR FAMILY

Although trained as a frontline fighter pilot, Tony made a profound personal choice following his combat tours. Valuing family stability above personal ambitions, he voluntarily surrendered his flying status—an extraordinary and selfless sacrifice in an Air Force officer's career path.

He transitioned into the geodetic field, earning a Master of Science in Geodetic Science from Ohio State University in 1972. He subsequently served as a Geodetic Officer with the Geodetic Survey Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. Tony concluded his military career as a Professor of Aerospace Science and AFROTC Detachment Commander at Detachment 752 (Wilkes College), retiring in 1980 after more than two decades of dedicated service.

POST-MILITARY LIFE, FAMILY, & LEGACY

In 1960, Tony married the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Ann Johansen, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Omaha, Nebraska. Together, Tony and Pat built a devotion to family that defined his post-military life. Over their 63 years of marriage, they raised eight children and opened their home as foster parents to 19 additional children, relocating 25 times before settling in Nebraska.

Following his Air Force retirement, Tony used his diverse talents in education, technical work, and community service. He worked as a high school and college math instructor, draftsman, part-time flight instructor, special needs aide, library assistant, and school bus driver across Nebraska and Wyoming.

An avid reader and self-taught handyman, Tony was widely considered a true Biblical scholar who spent countless hours studying Scripture. He loved sharing God’s natural creation through family camping trips, refinishing antique furniture, sketching, reading atlases, and playing the harmonica and accordion.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony W. Seizys passed away in 2023, in Seward, Nebraska, at the age of 85. He is remembered by his classmates, family, and country as a man of high honor, deep faith, and unyielding devotion to his family and nation.

EDUCATION


1955 High School Diploma (Honors) Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA
1959 B.S. (Inaugural USAFA Class) United States Air Force Academy, CO
1961 USAF Pilot Training Marianna AB, FL / Reese AFB, TX
1972 M.S. in Geodetic Science Ohio State University, OH

MEDALS & DECORATIONS

• Distinguished Flying Cross (1)
• Meritorious Service Medal (1)
• Air Medal (11)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal (1)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (1)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959–1961 Student Pilot / Fighter Training Marianna AB / Reese AFB / Luke AFB / Nellis AFB
1961–1964 Tactical Fighter Pilot (F-105) 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Kadena AB
1964–1966 Tactical Fighter Pilot (F-105) 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS
1966–1968 Air Officer Commanding (AOC) USAFA, Colorado Springs, CO
1968–1969 Tactical Officer USMA, West Point, NY
1969–1970 Air Liaison Officer (ALO) 3rd Bde, 25th Infantry Division, Cu Chi, South Vietnam
1970–1971 Air Liaison Officer (ALO) 5th & 7th ARVN Divisions, Lai Khe / Dong Tam, SVN
1971–1972 M.S. Student (Geodetic Science) Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
1973–1977 Geodetic Officer Geodetic Survey Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, WY
1977–1980 Professor of Aerospace Science / Detachment Commander AFROTC Detachment 752, Wilkes College, PA